Spring 2013 Frontline Beef Producer

FRONTLINE

A NEWS SOURCE FOR COMMERCIAL BEEF PRODUCERS

SPRING 2013

VOLUME 5

ISSUE 1

beef producer

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 1

Your SOURCE for Top Quality Registered & Commercial Brangus Cattle

Proud Members of

Circle Land & Cattle Co., Ltd. Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch • Camp Cooley Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch 2 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR P.O. Box 4747 • Bryan, Texas 77805 Office: (979) 776-5760 • Fax: (979) 776-4818 Website: www.circlexbrangus.com Steve Densmore, Cattle Mgr., (979) 450-0819, cell • (979) 778-1055, home Chris Duewall, Operations Mgr., (979) 777-6803, cell

20th AnnuAl SAle

March 26, 2013 • GENETRUST at Suhn Cattle Co. • 170 Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls selling Progeny froM these ProMinent sires

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Vernon Suhn • President vern@genetrustbrangus.com • (620) 583-3706 Craig Green • Marketing director craig@genetrustbrangus.com • (870) 834-1976 Buy online at:

upCominG GeneTrusT sALe

April 27, 2013 • Jacksonville, TX 200 Registered Females • 300 Commercial Females FRONTLINE(436-3877) Beef Producer 1 www.genetrustbrangus.com • 1-877-GENETRS

NOVEMBER 2012

3

OUT FRONT:

6

MARKETING:

Tighter Cattle Supply - An Opportunity by: Dr. Joseph Massey Our Strategy: Information Leads to Opportunity by: Ben Spitzer

Brangus Publications Inc. Representative and Layout/Art Director

FEATURE: From the Past to the Future: Santa Rosa Ranch ushers in a

Marketing Programs Director

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new era on the historic Rattlesnake/Seven J.

16 22 28

Administration/Circulation

Jake Cowen of Williamson Ranch by: Ben Spitzer

GENETICS:

EPDs are the Most Important Tools for Your Mating Decisions by: Dr. Joseph Massey

MANAGEMENT:

32

MANAGEMENT:

36

MANAGEMENT:

38

MANAGEMENT:

Ben Spitzer

Brittni Drennan

Bull Selection Q & A by: Brittni Drennan

FACES OF THE INDUSTRY:

Tyler Dean

IBBA Comunications Coordinator

FEATURE:

30

43 44

FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Bull Power: How many bulls do I need? by: David Hoffman Yearling Bull Management by: James B. Neel and Neal Schrick

Frances Miller

Contributing Editors

Dr. Joseph Massey Ben Spitzer Brittni Drennan Advertising

Tyler Dean 405.867.1421 IBBA Office 210.696.8231 Copy Editor

Lindsey Matli Operations

Understanding Bull Breeding Soundness Exams by: Clell V. Bagley, DVM and Craig Burrell, PhD

Choosing the Right Hay Trailer for You: The right hay trailer should fit your equipment, your use and your budget. by: Del Williams

SERVICES ADVERTISER INDEX and CALENDER OF EVENTS

Rosanne Sralla Patti Teeler

FRONTLINE Beef Producer is a product of:

Brangus Publications, Inc. 5750 Epsilon San Antonio, Texas 78249 Phone: 210.696.8231 Fax: 210.696.8718 Brangus Publications, Inc. Directors: Ron Flake, Chairman Dr. Joseph Massey, President Steve Densmore, Secretary/Treasurer Fred McCreary, Director R.L. Robbs, Director Information appearing in this issue may be reprinted only with written permission of Brangus Publications, Inc.

ON THE COVER: Jake Cowen sorts calves at Williamson Ranch near Benjamin, Texas. Read more about Jake & the Williamson Ranch in our FACES OF THE INDUSTRY feature article on page 22 of this issue.

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LPC Livestock Publications Council Member

by Dr. Joseph MASSEY IBBA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

OUT FRONT

Tighter Cattle Supply - An Opportunity

I

n my working career I have never seen a better opportunity for the commercial cattleman to expect good prices for his replacement heifers, feeder calves and to continue to cull his least performing cows out of the herd. Being in the cattle business has always been a demanding business, constantly challenging us to determine the best way to make money while keeping our costs in some balance to our revenues. This year is no different, but the opportunities may continue to lie in the fact that cattle supplies are tight, and this may be one of the best years to take advantage of the prices that will be associated with this tight supply. The demand for ground beef has been growing at a very fast pace as the overall retail price of beef has increased.

This will cause both an opportunity to cull cattle as the prices increase for culled cattle and the opportunity or struggle to maintain these cattle for another year to produce feeder cattle.

The best information at this time is this tight cattle supply may be with us for at least two to three years, so the decisions you make today to maximize your return will continue to have significance over the next few years. I would suggest if forage is in good supply and at a low cost that you have to balance between the cost of keeping cattle now and the next few years’ revenues. On the other hand, if forage is in short supply and expensive, this may be the time to reduce your herd. No two operations are alike, and this may play very different from one region of the country to the next, so only you can best determine what your costs may be like in 2013. I would also suggest that input costs may have more to do with your strategy in 2013 than the

actual price of cattle, since the prices are already good. However, this is not to say there will not be different times when certain markets get potentially stronger.

Another challenge for 2013 will be balancing the sale of replacement heifers as good cattle always bring the most money, and you will have to decide if this is a good year to capitalize on this opportunity.

We always want to develop the best group of cattle that we can genetically, but reward is not equal from year to year, and this spring, if the environment cooperates, the prices of heifers may be at an alltime high. Your challenge will be to balance 2013 with your future because the opportunities that you will find in 2013 do not come along

every year.

In hindsight, I have had mentors who have said to me, “Do not be afraid of making money because with money, you have options that are not available if you do not have money.”

2013 may be a great opportunity for many, but you, and only you, can make the best decisions for yourself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Massey has served as Executive Vice President of the IBBA since 2004.

In 2007, he started Genetic Performance Solutions, LLC, a breed registry services and performance analysis company serving the cattle and breed association industry— an IBBA owned company. GPS manages online registry programs for breed associations and the data base management of performance data like multi-breed EPDs.

“Any Country is Brangus Country” Predictable / Adaptable / Profitable FRONTLINE Beef Producer 3

We run the numbers, so you don’t have to.

MARCh 30

Bull Sale & SVF Customer Appreciation Sale Selling 60 Breeding Age Bulls & 75 Registered Females

Backed by the POWERFUL Salacoa Valley Cowherd: SVF Averages SVF %’s Breed Average

4 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

TM +30.6 20% 20.1

SC +0.76 20% 0.37

REA +0.49 20% 0.21

IMF +0.06 30% -0.01

Marketing Superior Genetics.

www.amscattle.com Mark Cowan | markc@amscattle.com | 903-495-4522 Trey Kirkpatrick | treyk@amscattle.com | 979-324-5518 Richard Hood | richardh@amscattle.com | 979-224-6150 Brad Wright | bradw@amscattle.com | 979-219-4599

www.aspenedgemarketing.com

David & Susan Vaughan, Owners Chris Heptinstall, Gen. Manager PO Box 185 Fairmount, GA 30139 706-337-2295 chris@salacoavalleybrangus.com Todd Harvey | 386-288-8059 todd@cse-lc.com www.salacoavalleybrangus.com

BW WW YW MILK +0.19 +29.3 +52.9 +15.4 30% 20% 15% 20% 0.7 20.6 37.2 9.8

Featured here are a few of the 1/4 Blood heifers we will have for sale this spring. We have decided to consign this group of heifers to the American Brahman Breeders Association sale at Caldwell Livestock Commission Company on the 16th of March. Approximately 60 of these heifers will be offered.

Shown here is a sample of the females that will sell plus a group shot of all of them. These heifers are all certified with the International Brangus Breeders Association.

When bred to a 1/2 Blood bull, they will produce a registerable 1st generation Brangus. Papers will be furnished and 2 straws of 1/2 Blood semen will be given with each heifer.

Brangus, 1/2 bloods and 1/4 bloods available in volume at all times.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 5

MARKETING

by Ben SPITZER IBBA MARKETING PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Our Strategy: Information Leads to Opportunity The purpose of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) is:

T

TO ENABLE IBBA MEMBERS TO SERVE THE COMMERCIAL CATTLE INDUSTRY.

he IBBA staff and directors are dedicated to helping our fellow beef producers be profitable and improving the genetics we, as a breed, supply to the industry.

The magazine, FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER, is a serious and vital part of our purpose. This issue, like always, is produced with commercial cow-calf operators in mind. Hopefully, you will find the articles on bull selection and care to be relevant to your beef enterprise.

It is a very simple strategy, really.

If calves produced from Brangus genetics are in demand by packers, feeders will buy more Brangus calves. If feeders are buying more Brangus calves, cow-calf producers will buy more Brangus bulls. We at IBBA believe so strongly in this philosophy that we have a dedicated staff member (me) who works solely at increasing Brangus market share by working hand-in-glove with the commercial cattle industry in its entirety. I have spent the last year building relationships with packers, feeders, stocker operators and large and small commercial cow outfits to gain access for Brangus calves into several marketing channels. It is working, and you can look for more value in your Brangus sired calves in the immediate future.

The great thing about Brangus, though, is that while the steers excel 6 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

in the yard and on the rail and consistently earn premiums on quality grids (like CAB), the value and versatility of Brangus and Brangus crossbred replacement females is unmatched in the industry. That Brangus sired female can bring right at the top of the market alongside, and many times outselling, the steer calves because of her value as a replacement female. As many of you know, Brangus sired females thrive in diverse environments: extreme heat and humidity, arid desert climates, fescue fungus infected pastures and even in the cold.

MARKETING She is more adaptable than any other cow out there, and we now see Brangus crossbred females ranging everywhere south of Interstate 80. In addition to the heartiness she brings to the table, she can wean a calf with added heterosis and the ability to fit a wide array of marketing channels.

She can be used in a crossbreeding system that values pounds and growth as well as programs seeking high carcass quality. She is quite simply the ultimate mother cow. She is Predictable/Adaptable/Profitable.

As the U.S. beef herd is looking to rebuild, consider building your herd based on Brangus.

The genetic value of Brangus cattle are demonstrated through the IBBA industry leading recording and genetic evaluation systems based on Total Herd Reporting (THR).

Through THR the Brangus database captures more data and eliminates reporting bias, thus creating a better genetic evaluation for our members and their customers. If you have questions about the Brangus genetic evaluation, EPDs, or how to incorporate performance data into your selection decisions, please give me a call anytime. That is part of the reason I am here.

Part of what we do is to get information to the industry. We currently publish FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER twice a year, in

the spring and fall. Additionally, you can get weekly updates on all things Brangus through our eNewsletter.

Simply supply us with an email, and you are on the list. We have embraced electronic media as a way to quickly disseminate information and would encourage you to stop by our website at www.gobrangus.com, Facebook page and YouTube channel. The videos featured on our channel run the gamut on topics related to beef production. If you have an idea for an area you would like us to explore, let us know about it.

Brangus cattle have a lot to offer the industry and particularly as we rebuild the nation’s cow herd for the beef industry of tomorrow. We are here to help you make wise business decisions to increase the profitability of your operation. If we can ever be of assistance, do not hesitate to let us know.

served as Chair of YPC in 2010 and in an advisory role to YPC as Immediate Past Chair in 2011. He remains an active member of NCBA and Texas and Southwestern Cattleraisers Association (TSCRA).

As Marketing Programs Director, he oversees IBBA’s Commercial Marketing Programs as well as advertising and promotion of the Brangus breed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ben Spitzer grew up in the cattle business with his family involvement going back several generations and has included both commercial cattle and registered cattle of several breeds. His family has been in the Brangus seedstock business since 1982.

Spitzer served as Communications/Member Services Director for the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA ) in Denton, TX. Prior to joining the staff at IBBA, he managed a registered Brangus operation in Georgia.

Ben was a founding member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Producers Council (YPC) and served as the YPC delegate to the NCBA Membership Committee. He

Carcass Data

Many of you have been feeding cattle for several years.

The IBBA is working to compile feedyard and carcass data for a research project. The ultimate goal is to create more profitable marketing opportunites for users of Brangus genetics. If you have closeouts and would be willing to share, please contact Ben at 210/696-8231 or 864/723-3779 or email, ben@int-brangus.org.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 7

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer 9

FEATURE From the Past to the Future

W

Santa Rosa Ranch ushers in a new era on the historic Rattlesnake/Seven J

ith the changing rural landscape due to drought or development, there are landowners who still maintain their commitment to holding their land for agricultural production. The state of Texas boasts some of the most famous farms and ranches in the United States, and one of those is entering a new chapter in their storied history. The Rattlesnake Ranch/Seven J Stock Farm was one of the first ranches incorporated in Texas and has been held by the same family for more than 65 years.

The history of the Rattlesnake Ranch and Seven J Stock Farm reads like the history of Texas literally. The acreage (both entities hold contiguous tracts) is located in Houston County, the first county created by the Texas Republic in 1837 by order of President Sam Houston, for whom the county was named.

This part of East Texas is significant to not only the establishment of Texas as a republic and eventual state, but to the creation of the United States of America.

The ranch is set upon the main wagon road which once ran between Spanish Mexico and French Louisiana. In 1690, the Governor of Coahuila set out to locate any remaining French incursions in this new Spanish colony. As he traveled on this road, he arrived in May 1690 along the bank of a river and named it “Rio Trinidad”; this is the site of the Seven J. Three more days took him to the site in Houston County

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on San Pedro Creek where the first mission in Texas, San Francisco de Los Tejas, was founded. Both Spanish and French commerce began along this old wagon road which was renamed El Camino Real, or Old San Antonio Road (OSR).

In the early 1800s, Texas settlement began when the Spanish (and later, Mexican) authorities started granting land tracts to lure American immigrants to the new lands. Most entry into Texas took place along OSR. Settlers, soldiers and bandits traveled through the area. In 1836, as soldiers fled the Battle of the Alamo, they settled along the west bank of the Trinity River until they heard of Sam Houston’s triumph at the Battle of San Jacinto along Galveston Bay. From 1836 to 1845, while Texas was a Republic, OSR served as the main artery for overland commerce between the United States and Texas.

In 1838, Wayne Lafayette Parten arrived in Texas as he and his siblings

left Alabama with a family friend to establish a life in the new republic.

They spent the first winter on the coast, and it was here that Wayne adopted the 7J brand because there were no “hot spots” in the brand and it was easily identifiable. Today, it remains one of the oldest registered brands in the state. The Partens eventually settled in Madison County and raised their family of 11 children in Madisonville.

In 1886, following the Civil War, a man named George Murray arrived in Texas from Mississippi, accompanied by a large number of free black families. Between 1890 and 1925, Murray had accumulated enough capital to assemble thousands of acres in the Trinity Valley and farm a considerable area to become what was known as “the largest cotton plantation in the world”. One of the most revolutionary developments that Murray made was the construction

FEATURE of an 11-mile levee, which protected the land from floods and allowed the Murrays to prosper from bountiful harvests on the protected land.

The Murrays were very progressive in their use of technology for the farming operation, but the price of cotton dropped in 1929. Over the next 25 years, the family tried to recover by diversifying their operation, but eventually, Murray Farm was sold in 1948.

The purchaser of the Murray Farm was a new corporation, the Seven J Stock Farm, Inc., named after the cattle brand the Parten Family has used since 1838. This corporation was a venture created by JR Parten, one of the eleven Parten children.

In 1959, JR Parten began to assemble several adjacent tracts, and he established The Rattlesnake Ranch under his sole ownership.

Interestingly, records from 1805 show that cattle trading took place on that same land.

During the acquisition of the Rattlesnake acreage, JR Parten established a resource conservation program as the land was improved and put into pastureland.

Although the Rattlesnake and Seven J were contiguous land

holdings, their operations were totally separate – there were no shared resources. The Rattlesnake Ranch was the site of the purebred Brahman operation, and the Seven J was home to the commercial cow/ calf operation. It was at this time that oil and grass drilling began among the continued farming and livestock operations. In the 1980s, the decision was made to concentrate on ventures where the Seven J and Rattlesnake could prosper, so the livestock was dispersed, and the productive land was leased to ranchers and farmers.

Today, while the land is leased for farming and ranching, oil and gas production continues along with a new enterprise – pecans.

There is a retail shop open along Highway 21 during the holiday season, and most Rattlesnake Ranch Pecans are sold online. John R. “Randy” Parten, JR’s son, continues to oversee the land holding and

company operations. Although the agricultural production land is leased to outside producers, Randy and his sons continue the tradition of responsible land stewardship through the establishment of the Rattlesnake Mitigation Bank, almost 600 acres in conservation easements which help maintain the integrity of the land as a working ranch. The easement prohibits commercial and industrial activities or any activities that disturb the natural condition of the land. This further solidifies the Rattlesnake and Seven J’s agriculture productive potential in perpetuity.

Upon Seven J’s 50th Anniversary, Randy Parten wrote a letter in a historical booklet released for the occasion: “(This ranch) has promising developments in agriculture and energy…. We cannot do everything but in those things that we choose to do, we will be the best, the most innovative and the most efficient producer….

Our farmers are the most productive in the county.

The ranches operating on Seven J are known nationally. We continue to look for opportunities to carry this success into the next century.” (continued on page 12)

The Rattlesnake Ranch and Seven J Stock Farm have a long history in Texas agriculture. These photos show just a small piece of the significance the ranches have in Texas history. Santa Rosa Ranch is excited to be a part of their future.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 11

FEATURE (continued from page 11)

A New Chapter

In 2013, The Rattlesnake and Seven J will begin to write a new chapter in their history. Santa Rosa Ranch (SRR), a commercial cow/calf and seedstock producer of Brangus, Angus and Ultrablack cattle, will take over the operation of the ranch land and some of the farm land on these two ranches. Under the guidance of General Manager Kent Smith, Manager Scott Broadus and Owner Gerald Sullivan along with his daughter, Kelley, the new era for this historic agricultural land will reflect the original intent that the Partens had in mind.

“We are encouraged about our relationship with the Partens and what our operation brings to the

Rattlesnake and Seven J,” offers Gerald Sullivan, owner of Santa Rosa Ranch. “Like the Partens, our family has been running cattle, primarily along the Coastal Bend, for over 100 years. We are conservationists and believe that good land stewardship will preserve these tracts. With Kent Smith’s expertise, we have a program that offers tremendous benefits for our customers. This is our business, and we believe the Rattlesnake/Seven J offers an incredible opportunity not only for our operation, but for the expansion of the commercial cowherd and the Brangus breed in particular.”

Sullivan goes on to mention that changing environmental conditions are ushering more producers to Brangus cattle for their adaptability to the intense summer heat and lack

of water while maintaining their reproductive efficiency. Plus, the reintroduction of Angus genetics to produce Ultrablack cattle is capturing the attention of many producers from around the U.S. SRR is seeing bull buyers from the Midwest and Northern U.S. who are recognizing the value the Brahman influence offers to their progeny.

“The operation of Rattlesnake and Seven J will allow us to take the Santa Rosa Ranch breeding program in a number of directions,” adds Kelley Sullivan. “First, it allows us to expand our seedstock herd development. We feel that Brangus cattle are a great foundation for many breeding programs. Second, we can diversify our operation into various programs: bull development, replacement females, commercial herd expansion, hay, etc. This additional space really gives us the opportunity to respond to the market and produce the type of cattle that have broad appeal.”

With the relationship between Rattlesnake/Seven J and Santa Rosa Ranch, the heritage of operational farms and ranches is being preserved. Both groups have shown a commitment to land conservation and fostered a culture for responsible agricultural production. The future is bright for the industry, and this new initiative offers great promise for beef cattle production in the state of Texas.

To read about JR. Parten and the establishment of the Seven J Stock Farm, Rattlesnake Ranch and Parten Oil Company, find “A Breed So Rare: The Life of JR Parten”

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Southeast Texas Independent Cattlemen’s Association & Texas Brangus Breeders Association

Saturday, March 9, 2013 Ford Park Complex · Beaumont, TX Donald Jordan, Auctioneer Bulls Sell at 10 a.m. ● Special Brangus Sell @ Noon ● Heifers Sell at 1 p.m. (or immediately following Special Sale)

Cattle may be viewed after 5 p.m. Friday, March 8 and between 7-10 a.m. Sale Day

 Southeast Texas ICA and Texas Brangus Breeders Association will feature a select group of registered Brangus cattle in this year's sale. Fifty to Seventy-five high quality open, bred, and paired registered females up to 48 months of age—Cattle that will complement any registered herd!"  Sale Offering of 100+ Top Quality Breeding Age Bulls; All Bulls Will Be Test Negative for Brucellosis and Trichomoniasis and Fertility Tested With Current Health Papers.  Early Consignments Include 275+ Commercial Breeding Age Females (Open, Bred & Pairs). Females Will Be Test Negative for Brucellosis With Current Health Papers.

Consignments will be taken through 02/10/13; Forms and rules can be downloaded @ www.icatexas.org or contact one of the persons listed below for more information. Electronic version of Sale Catalog will be available online February 20, 2013 and via e-mail request. To be put on mailing list, contact secretaries .

Southeast Texas ICA is Proud to Recognize

Capital Farm Credit as our 2013 Corporate Sale Sponsor!

SALE CHAIRMEN: Bobby Thornton—(409) 781‐3982 Wayne Williford—(409) 246‐2334

SALE MANAGER: Chuck Kiker—(409) 658‐0959

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SALE FACILITY LOCATION Take Exit # 845/846 (Brooks Rd./Major Dr. Exit) off Interstate 10 (West of Beaumont) Various Hotels @ Walden Rd. (Approx. 1 mile from Ford Park—www.fordpark.com)

SALE SECRETARIES: Terri West—(409) 656‐1483 setica_cbhs@yahoo.com

Susan Horn—(409) 752‐3032 hornauction@att.net

Early Consignments

MS BRINKS GOOD FORTUNE 541P103 Selling one of the great donor cows in the breed.

CONSIGNED BY DRAGGIN’ M RANCH BW WW YW M 1.1 20 49 13

TM 24

SC REA IMF FT 0.5 0.17 0.1 0.009

DDD MS FANCEE 804T49 Selling an outstanding young donor female CONSIGNED BY DOGUET’S DIAMOND D RANCH BW WW YW M 2.1 43 68 14

TM 35

SC REA IMF FT 0.3 0.77 0.05 0.002

MS BRINKS LAMBERT 803T6

Selling the dam of the $80,000 “Passport” bull.

CONSIGNED BY BURKE BRANGUS FARM AND TRUITT BRANGUS FARM BW WW YW -0.2 25 49

M 8

TM 20

SC REA IMF FT 0.2 0.36 0.31 0.003

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE

Sale Managed By:

Marketing Superior Genetics.

FEBRUARY 28, 2013, 6:00PM HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW, CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.AMSCATTLE.COM THIS WILL BE AN ALL VIDEO SALE. SALE CATALOGS WILL BE MAILED BY REQUEST ONLY. FRONTLINE Beef Producer 15

www.aspenedgemarketing.com

www.amscattle.com

Mark Cowan | 903-495-4522 | markc@amscattle.com Richard Hood | 979-224-6150 | richardh@amscattle.com Trey Kirkpatrick | 979-324-5518 | treyk@amscattle.com Brad Wright | 979-219-4599 | bradw@amscattle.com

FEATURE

by Brittni DRENNAN IBBA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Bull Selection Q & A

H

ave you ever wondered what factors influence commercial producers to buy certain bulls?

I recently had the opportunity to discuss a significant topic with several successful commercial producers about their purchasing habits.

I asked them questions regarding their bull selection criteria and what influenced them to make certain buying decisions. This article introduces those producers and provides their answers to some of those questions you have probably asked yourself before.

Brandon Critendon Brandon Critendon oversees and operates Wolf Point Ranch in Port Lavaca, Texas. He has 1,000 commercial Brangus cows and utilizes Brangus genetics primarily through artificial insemination (AI), which he began implementing nine years ago. As a commercial producer with an exceptional

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end product in mind, his focus is producing quality replacement females, and he raises his own bulls internally. He also feeds his own calves and markets steer calves as it fits economically, whether he feeds them or backgrounds them.

Josh Kinslow Approximately 10 years ago, Josh Kinslow began working as the cattle manager and bull buyer for JM Cattle C o m p a n y owned by Jim McCord.

They maintain 650 F1 Braford cows bred to Brangus bulls near Hearne, Texas, where they focus on developing a more uniform and desirable replacement heifer. At JM Cattle Co., they also background their own steers and market them off the ranch. Their goal is to continue to improve the quality of their replacement females to satisfy their customers.

Craig Neal Craig Neal, a native of Morganza, La., has been very involved in the commercial cattle business since 1985. He is in partnership with his sons, Michael and Jarrod Neal, and they own and manage Craig Neal and Sons Farms, LLC. Neal introduced Brangus genetics into his herd 20 years ago and now breeds crossbred cows to Brangus bulls.

This year he will breed 1,600 cows and 250 heifers near St. Francisville, La. Neal emphasizes quality and focuses on the final result. His goal is to sell a calf that will go through the feedlot and grade choice or prime and produce a superior end product.

Ralph Pelaez Ralph Pelaez manages commercial cow-calf operations that consist of a family owned operation and some that are owned by another party. His operations are located in Okeechobee, Fla. and Bay City, Texas. They produce feeder steer calves and replacement heifers for their use and also for sale. Pelaez emphasizes top quality cattle with high reproductive rates while maintaining efficiency.

FEATURE “Brangus is the ideal breed because we can produce the ideal quality of beef we want to provide the consumer.”

How do Brangus genetics help you accomplish your goals?

Kinslow: “Keeping the Brahman influence in our calves has been good, and it’s easier to market consistent steers and heifers. On the heifer end, I get a more desirable female that fits this area.”

Neal: “There’re no cattle better than Brangus. They can take the heat and environment and they’re ready to calve. We buy top dollar bulls to breed our replacements to.”

Pelaez: “Brangus is the ideal breed because we can produce the ideal quality of beef we want to provide the consumer. It has the capacity to grade our desired quality grade, and it has the ability to perform in the feedyard and ultimately up to the harvest stage. Most importantly, it’s a breed that has the ability to adapt to our environment in both places and has parasite resistance.

The females are ideal for breeding. A high percentage of our heifers make good cows, and that is valuable to us.

The heifers we sell for feeder cattle is a very small portion of our heifers because a vast majority are able to make good cows and minimizes the number of females that go to the feedyard.”

What do you look for when purchasing a bull?

Critendon: (Looking for AI sires) “It’s a combination of so many things.

We don’t go out and single trait select any bull that we’re looking for.

If I’m going to go out and look for an AI sire, I do a lot of research and look into the pedigree of that animal and his offspring. I use proven, fiveto six-year-old bulls, and that’s been important to use mulit-trait bulls.

Phenotype is also important.”

“I don’t want so much performance packed into our herd that I’ve got 1,400 pound females. In our area, we

can’t support those big cows. I want to see a little more growth spread between birth weight and weaning weight than between weaning weight and yearling weight. What I’m looking for is something that fits our ranch and our area.”

“Structure is also important. Our females need to get out and be able to cover this area, so I look at feet and legs, and I look for a bull that combines all those traits. I want a moderate framed bull, deep bodied, heavy boned, that has a pretty long neck, and I want his females to have a pretty, feminine look to them. Their calves have some background on them and can do a good job in the feedyard.”

Kinslow: “I look for a moderate framed bull that’s real deep and soggy and correct in their structure and travel, a bull with a lot of meat but correct in their joints and knees, big-boned and big-footed that (continued on page 18)

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FEATURE (continued from page 17) can hold up and travel. With the Brahman influence in this area, as long as you’ve got 3/8 or better Brahman influence, they seem to handle the climate, humidity and insects better.”

What are the three to five main attributes you look for in a bull supplier? Why?

Critendon: “As far as a bull producer, I want to establish a relationship with that individual. I want someone who is interested in improving his herd so that he can help advance my herd as well as others’.”

Kinslow: “One, I want someone who can be honest with me. Two, I want someone who is constantly trying to improve their program.

I want someone who is branching out and using different herd sires, and using different technologies to help improve their program like

using and tracking EPDs, using gain tests, and some now are using feed efficiency tests, which, in my opinion, is probably the most important because the cheaper we can feed our cattle, the more profit we gain. Three, I want someone who follows up with me and cares about my operation and wants to know how my calf crop is doing.”

Neal: “I buy from people that have been in the business a long time, and all the people I buy bulls from are all good people. I like to find bulls that are raised in my area. This past year I bought about 30 bulls, and I could call [my suppliers], and I know they’re going to tell me the truth. You can tell by talking to these people that they’re going to stand by their word.”

Pelaez: “The seedstock producers we buy from are working on the same traits that we need in our operation. They have large numbers, which we need to be able to make our

selections. Integrity and reliability of the data are of utmost importance.”

What does a seedstock producer need to do to earn/keep your business?

Critendon: “I want to know how his bulls are produced and want to know about their performance. I want to interact with him so I can return him some data that I keep on my herd. I want him to go beyond the sale. I want a producer who’s not just trying to sell a bull. I want a producer who understands where I’m coming from and what I need.”

Kinslow: “Continue to improve on his program and show me he’s willing to take that extra step to ensure his bulls will work in the industry and produce calves that are marketable, and I like someone who will follow up with me and see how my calf crop turned out. I like to see someone who is using the genetic tools and resources to continue to improve his program because if he’s working to improve his program, hopefully that will allow me to improve mine.”

Neal: “They need to stand by their product and warrant their animal for breeding proposes. If I have a problem with a bull and they won’t make their deal good, I won’t go back to them. I buy virgin bulls from a purebred breeder that way I know where they’re coming from, and I buy top bulls from the top breeders.”

Pelaez: “We have to have complete confidence in their genetic direction and they have to have emphasis on the traits that are important to us.

They must know about their cattle

18 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FEATURE and stand behind their product after the sale is made if the bull does not perform as represented.”

How do you determine what you are willing to pay for a bull, and have calf prices affected this at all?

that help us in the feedyard. AI helps us tighten up our genetics in the breeding season. We’ve been able to have a smaller window of carcass weights, and carcass quality and that allows us to micromanage our

calves less and allows us to get into some premium marketing. Because of our management practices there is a lot more uniformity in genetics and similar age groups, and that has (continued on page 20)

Kinslow: “Every year it seems to get higher. I’m pretty picky. It’s kind of whatever the market is set at that year. If my heifers and steer calves are bringing more, then I’m willing to pay a little more.”

Neal: “You have to buy the best bull you can afford. It takes the same amount of money to feed a good one as it does a bad one. And Absolutely calf prices affect the price. When I was buying bulls three to four years ago, I was paying $2,100 and calves were bringing $550 to $600. This year my bulls have been $4,100, and now calves are bringing $1,100.”

Pelaez: “The price of bulls is determined by the market place, not by us alone. Supply and demand is the key that determines price. As calf prices and replacement heifers have gone up in value so have the cost of our bulls. We require bulls of high quality and they in turn demand higher prices.”

What emphasis do you put into buying like genetics? (sire groups, flushmates, etc)

Critendon: “I’m big on finding AI brothers and flushmates.

Maintaining consistency and uniformity is difficult to achieve, and we try to obtain like genetics to achieve that. There are two things FRONTLINE Beef Producer 19

FEATURE (continued from page 19) allowed us to get more calves out of the feedyard at one time.”

Kinslow: “I’ve been pretty high on it. By using the sons and grandsons of a certain sire, I notice a more consistent calf crop. Consistency is the main thing.”

How far are you willing to travel to find good bulls?

Kinslow: “I’ve gone all the way to Georgia from here (Texas). If we know the product they’ve got and if it’s something we like, we’ll hop on a plane and go. I know the people out there, and I know what they’re using as herd sires, and I’ve seen their cows. If I know what kind of cattle

they’ve got, then I’m willing to travel a little farther.”

Neal: “I like to find bulls that are raised in my area. I go to Tenn. and to Georgia.”

Pelaez: “I prefer bulls that come from a similar environment to ours. We go from Florida, Georgia to Texas to get the bulls we need.

Distance is not a problem.”

What benchmarks do you use to measure your success? (month-to-month, year-to-year, etc.)

Critendon: “We are constantly gauging our performance and where we are today versus two years ago and three years ago. One of the hardest things to gauge is performance when you are faced with drought and abnormal years.

I get positive feedback from the customers who I sell females to. Just through feedback, I’ve been able to produce a product they’re looking for. And, I can look at the carcass data I receive.”

Kinslow: “I guess it’s a yearto-year deal in my replacement heifer sales. I judge it by the

20 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

interest in my females and if I have repeat buyers. I’ve had several repeat buyers at sales. And then, on my steer crop, the last couple of years I’ve sold to one guy off the ranch, and if he’s willing to come back, that tells me my calves are working for him.”

Neal: “We have several businesses.

Cattle business is our biggest right now. We’re at the point this year that we won’t owe a dime on these cows. I just love to go out there, and you’ve got to love it. You’ve got to have the best genetics and a cow that is going to raise a calf. We’ve got calves weighing 750 coming off their mommas, and that’s what we strive for - to have a calf that will go through the feedlot and market.”

Pelaez: “We have short-term and long-term successes. I have a successful day if I learn something and accomplish certain daily tasks.

We have a month-to-month and year-to-year goal to continually keep improving, but it starts on a daily basis. We strive to make things better and try to avoid dealing with the same repeat problems down the road and learn from mistakes and problems we encounter.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brittni Drennan received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University.

A native of Welch, a small town in West Texas, she has a passion for agriculture and has been involved in various aspects of the industry.

She has extensive experience editing and writing news releases and feature stories for publications as well as several organizations. As Communications Coordinator, she administers IBBA’s online presence through social networking sites, oversees the production of IBBA’s publications and writes material promoting Brangus.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 21

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY

by Ben SPITZER IBBA MARKETING PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Jake Cowen of Williamson Ranch

C

hallenges are an inevitable part of any business, but when it is the challenges that drive you to be successful, the intricate and ever-changing parts of a stocker business become opportunities, and those challenges create success.

This is what drives Jake Cowen and the Williamson Ranch.

Williamson Ranch is a family operation. Jake’s great grandfather bought the Florida ranch in 1936.

His grandparents, mother and aunts rely on Jake and his father,

22 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Jim, to manage the operations in several locations. Currently the ranch operates on owned and leased properties from Florida to New Mexico, going as far north as the Osage country of Oklahoma and the Flint Hills of Kansas to optimize production goals.

“We sure couldn’t do this without the family and the support,” Cowen said. “I’m just an employee. Granny, Papa and mom and her sisters have a lot of faith in us, and that’s worth a lot more than you think.”

A graduate of the University of Florida with an Animal Science Degree, Jake has been driven to gain knowledge. After his education in Gainesville, he interned with the R.A. Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, Texas. After his internship, Cowen moved into a management role at the family’s operation near Benjamin, Texas.

“I graduated from college, walked across the stage, and I was gone before daylight. I haven’t left here since,” Cowen said. “The opportunities being out here are

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY tremendous.”

Cowen feels right at home on the Texas location. He has become very active in industry associations and was one of three representatives for the Texas and Southwestern Cattleraisers Association (TSCRA) on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference Tour this past summer. He also serves on the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) Research Committee and the TSCRA Animal Health Committee.

The Williamson Ranch operation

manages quite a few head of cattle every year, turning inventory at least twice in twelve months’ time. Calves are mainly bought straight off of ranches or out of two livestock markets in South Florida. Approximately 90 percent of the calves they handle originate in Florida, and the remaining are purchased in Texas. Cowen likes the

quality and health of the calves from that area of the country and tries to stock the ranch at an optimum stocking rate.

“It’s all based off rain,” Cowen said.

“We try to target 250 to 300 pounds per acre on wheat pasture. After we get rain and into the spring, we can bump up to 500 pounds. The top (continued on page 24)

With a minimum turnover of twice per year, Cowen buys a lot of cattle. But long standing relationships allow Cowen to buy cattle over the phone. “I don’t feel like I have to go down there and look at the cattle or be there to sort on them when buying cattle from regular customers.”

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 23

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY (continued from page 23) end would be 1000 pounds in a good year. Last time I saw that happen was 2010. Prior to that, it had been ’07.

So, hopefully that means 2013/14 is the next wet year because clearly we missed it in ’12.”

The family has been at the main operation near Benjamin for seven years. It is a productive piece of ground that allows for plenty of flexibility. Cowen remembered a local rancher’s thoughts about the condition of the ranch when they were considering purchasing the ranch.

“He said, ‘Where it’s rough, it’s sure enough rough. Where it’s good, it’s sure enough good’,” Cowen recalled.

The family had their cow-calf operation near Okeechobee, Fla., at the time but has transitioned the operation since then. Now they mainly use the Okeechobee ranch to “straighten out” purchased calves.

There are vast differences in the environment and conditions between the Florida and Texas ranches. When it comes to comparing ranching in Florida to Texas, Cowen said the difference is huge.

“You can’t tell someone about it.

They have to come experience it.

You want to talk about one heck of a learning curve,” Cowen said. “I now have a greater appreciation for rain and water in general. I moved from a Florida county with an annual rainfall of 59 inches to a Texas county with 19 inches. Now we are in a severe drought, drinking water and grazing are both really short.”

Cowen still tries to make it back to Florida several times a year to visit the ranches where he purchases cattle.

24 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

He has long standing relationships with Florida ranches and appreciates the quality of the cattle but more importantly the quality people in the ranching community. When it comes to buying, however, he can do that from wherever the day takes him.

“I trade across a telephone,” Cowen said. “I don’t feel like I have to go down there and look at the cattle or be there to sort on them when buying cattle from regular customers.”

When it comes to buying calves and marketing yearlings, Williamson Ranch takes a different approach than most.

“One of the things that sets us apart is I try to never stop buying cattle, and I try to have cattle to market twice a month,” Cowen said. “What that does, and this is something that I’ve learned from dad, it provides a hedge for us. We hit every market, the good and the bad. When you’re selling cattle in a bad market, you’re buying calves in a buyer’s market.

That’s one thing that really helps.”

Cowen believes the beef industry is in extremely dynamic times and has the experience to back it up.

From an economics standpoint, Cowen said it is pretty simple. He said pounds drive the industry, regardless of what phase it is. “For us, that’s the name of the game.”

“This industry is changing in a hurry,” Cowen said. “On the stocker side of things, two years ago cattle coming in you were paying $450 to $500 a head on average. This summer we bought several loads of cattle that averaged over $700 per head. These price increases have the potential to create some real cash

flow issues.”

In addition to their stocker, wheat pasture operation, Williamson Ranch has a cow-calf operation on the ranch in Benjamin.

“We predominantly run yearlings, but we run cows on the country that isn’t conducive to running yearlings,” Cowen said. “We like quarter blood cows. That’s what we’re doing here. We put Angus bulls on them, red or black.” Cowen plans on using Brangus bulls through AI to keep replacement females that are adaptable and fit the rough country of the area.

The calves that result from the cow-calf operation are managed separately from the stockers. They may get commingled on grass but Cowen said they usually feed them separately and try to retain ownership on them. That way they get some carcass data back to make sure they are heading the right direction with their genetics. Cowen puts a lot of emphasis on using performance genetics and is always striving to make the next generation of cows better.

“We AI all our heifers. We’re pretty big on taking care of our heifers,” Cowen said. “I don’t spare the coin on heifer bulls. I don’t spare the coin on any bulls, really. I haven’t pulled a calf for two years. With the price of calves, you lose a pair, and you’ve paid for a heifer bull.”

They have been extremely successful the last several years on getting great conception rates, especially for the extremely rough country the cowherd grazes. Cowen said out of 77 cows they bred, 66 AI sired calves were produced, which is an 85 percent AI conception rate on

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY one service.

With the end product in mind, Cowen puts a lot of pressure on the cows to bring a quality product to market.

“We’re pretty strict on our culling,” Cowen said. “If they don’t bring a calf to the pens, see ya’ later because as far as I’m concerned, she didn’t pay her bill. On the other side of that coin, if you’re going to cull like you need to, you’ve got to take care of your cows. They’re taking care of you; you’ve got to take care of them.

You can’t let them get down in body condition and expect them to breed back.”

The experiences and people that Cowen has come into contact with have shaped his overall management goals and the way he approaches daily challenges. He said the internship he had at R.A. Brown Ranch gave him a new perspective on several things.

The invaluable experience he had there could not be bought. In turn, he feels compelled to provide similar experiences to others.

“I think we’ve had nine interns so far,” Cowen said. “I got so much out of my internship. I went there for three months, stayed for nine. I felt like that was the best thing I could offer for anybody coming behind

me. It’s exposure to a different part of the industry. Most of our interns come from Florida. We had one from Kansas State. We have our first intern coming from ABAC (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga.) in April.”

The management of the Williamson Ranch takes a group of talented people. Cowen’s father handles the cattle marketing and office work on all the Williamson ranches. He assists the crew at the Benjamin ranch when it comes time to process, sort and ship cattle. He also oversees the ranches’ grazing (continued on page 26)

Management of Williamson Ranch takes a group of talented people. At right, Cowen’s father, Jim, handles the cattle marketing and office work for all the Williamson Ranches as well as assists with work around the ranch in Benjamin. Joe Aylor, pictured below and with Cowen in the bottom-right picture is responsible for the cow/ calf operations in Benjamin as well as assisting with the stocker operations.

At left, Cowen doctors a sick yearling.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 25

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY (continued from page 25) interests in New Mexico.

“Dad, as far as I’m concerned, is the marketing guru,” Cowen said.

“We work together well. We try not to step on each other’s toes. If I have a question, the first thing I do is pick up a phone and say, ‘Hey, you have an opinion on this?’”

Cowen is quick to point out that it is a total team effort to get the work done.

“Another thing that is vital here is good help. They deserve lots of credit. They work hard. Those guys take care of me and the ranch. Every time I get the opportunity, I’m going to take care of them. I like guys that ride for the brand. If you don’t like this lifestyle, you can’t do this,

because it’s hard work. You’ve got to want it.”

Jed Gray from nearby Throckmorton, Texas, manages the day-to-day activities on the Florida ranch as well as overseeing delivery of purchased calves at ranches throughout Florida. Florida native Joe Aylor is responsible for the cowcalf operation in Benjamin as well as assisting with the stocker operations.

In the end, the Williamson Ranch prides themselves on dealing with quality people and being an operation that is respected in the industry.

“I don’t care if we top the market selling calves. I want to produce a desirable product,” Cowen said. “I want repeat customers who say, ‘We

bought your feeder yearlings; we want to keep buying them.’”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ben Spitzer grew up in the cattle business with his family involvement going back several generations and has included both commercial cattle and registered cattle of several breeds. His family has been in the Brangus seedstock business since 1982.

Spitzer served as Communications/Member Services Director for the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA ) in Denton, TX. Prior to joining the staff at IBBA, he managed a registered Brangus operation in Georgia.

Ben was a founding member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Producers Council (YPC) and served as the YPC delegate to the NCBA Membership Committee. He served as Chair of YPC in 2010 and in an advisory role to YPC as Immediate Past Chair in 2011. He remains an active member of NCBA and Texas and Southwestern Cattleraisers Association (TSCRA).

As Marketing Programs Director, he oversees IBBA’s Commercial Marketing Programs as well as advertising and promotion of the Brangus breed.

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer 27

GENETICS

by Dr. Joseph MASSEY IBBA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

EPDs are the Most Important Tools for Your Mating Decisions

E

xpected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are the best tools to use when selecting bulls for this upcoming breeding season. We have been perfecting EPDs for the last 25 to 30 years, and I am still amazed we have not done a better job of explaining what EPDs can do. An EPD has two important values associated with it; the first is the actual value, and the second is an accuracy value. The actual EPD is a value that was calculated by looking at the difference one can expect or observe when comparing a group of contemporaries. This is important because the objective is to separate out environmental and management practices from the calculation and determine the actual genetic value.

EPDs are usually expressed in a + or – figure because the EPD only tries to explain the outcome one would expect when comparing two bulls in the same environment and management practices. For example, if you are selecting bull A with a +20 pound EPD for weaning weight and bull B with a +25 pound EPD for weaning weight and these two bulls

are placed in the same pasture with a group of cows that are all being managed the same way, then you have eliminated environment and management. Equally important is that all the cows are managed together from bull exposure to the time the calves are weaned. The importance of this helps one to understand it does not matter if these cattle and calves were managed in Texas or Colorado on grass or supplemental feed.

The important aspect is

they were all treated the same. Now, when calves are weaned and weights recorded and one compares the average of calves from bull A and bull B, one would expect there will be a +5 pound advantage for bull B. EPDs do not look at absolute

When planning your next calf crop, EPDs are a vital step in achieving success. IBBA offers complete EPD information as well as an easy to read graph of EPD rankings on all animals in their registry. Simply visit gobrangus.com to get the most current information on any Brangus animal.

28 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

GENETICS values but rather the differences, so if you are the best manager in raising cattle and you have the best management practices, it does not affect the EPD value because again it looks at the differences between the two bulls’ averages. This concept is true if you are in South Texas with drought conditions; only the genetic differences will be calculated.

This allows the genetic difference between bull A and bull B to hold true if accurancy is high.

The second value is the accuracy value, which simply implies the more offspring a bull has produced, the more predictable his EPDs are.

Once you have an accuracy of .5 or greater, the likelihood the EPD will change much is lower. Young bulls with pedigree EPD values of less than .3 will have the most amount of movement on their EPDs. EPDs are the best tool a producer has to compare bulls and to help determine how to use a bull depending on which trait is the most important for his operation.

Whichever trait has the most value for you can best be selected by understanding EPDs. Do not be afraid to use EPDs, and if you need better understanding about them, find someone knowledgeable who can help explain. It is your best genetic prediction tool.

The real challenge today is not to find bulls with the right EPDs but rather to find the right balance of EPDs for your operation. If you could find copies of bulls that had the same genetics it might be easier to select bulls, but unfortunately, all bulls are different. This becomes an issue when trying to enhance too many traits at one time in a herd.

It is well known that improving one trait at a time makes it easy to enhance that trait, but when you start to balance two and three traits at one time you start to enhance the traits by the average of those traits, which again makes progress slower to achieve, and it sometimes complicates the results. Developing a working understanding of EPDs is mandatory in the beef cattle industry today, and knowing EPDs will be the backbone of all selections in the future, one must not only understand what an EPD means but more importantly learn how to apply them.

As we encounter genetically enhanced EPDs the principles will be the same except that the accuracy or reliability will increase. Accuracy is simply the likelihood you will achieve the desired outcome, and the more accurate the EPD, the more likely you will achieve the desired outcome. Progress accelerates by

using AI sires because the available sires used in AI programs are proven sires with high accuracies.

These principles are much easier to understand when you study the results of your offspring when comparing calves from different mates.

Many associations like the Brangus Association have programs that allow you to compare the possible mating outcomes when you know EPDs. Do not hesitate to use these programs as they can be the basis for your breeding programs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Massey has served as Executive Vice President of the IBBA since 2004.

In 2007, he started Genetic Performance Solutions, LLC, a breed registry services and performance analysis company serving the cattle and breed association industry— an IBBA owned company. GPS manages online registry programs for breed associations and the data base management of performance data like multi-breed EPDs.

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer 29

MANAGEMENT

by David HOFFMAN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI LIVESTOCK EXTENSION SPECIALIST

Bull Power

D

How many bulls do I need? efining the optimum bull to cow ratio is important to a having a successful breeding season. However no one ratio is optimal for all ranches or small herd operations. The number of bulls required to adequately cover the breeding females is related to many factors, some of which are listed below.

AGE The bull’s age is a major factor, which determines the number of cow that can be turned with him during the breeding season.

Research indicates that yearling bulls (15 months of age), which pass physical and semen exams, can breed 15–25 cows in a 90-day breeding season. Two to five-yearold bulls can breed 25-45 cows in a 90-day breeding season. Mature bulls (over 5 years of age) with good semen quality can breed 40-50 cows during a 60-90-day breeding season.

CONDITION You cannot expect fat or thin bulls

to perform up to the standards of properly conditioned bulls. Bulls, at the start of the breeding season, should have a body condition of 5-6 on a 9-point scale. Thin bulls, with poor nutrition, can have lower semen quality, where as fat bulls (BCS of 7 or greater) lack the stamina to breed enough cows. Therefore, feed thin bulls a higher plane of nutrition (more energy) before the breeding season to gain weight. Conversely, fat bulls should not be let down too rapidly (loss of body condition) or their performance during the breeding season may be impaired.

Bulls will typically lose from 100 – 200 pounds during the breeding

season. Producers should monitor the bull’s condition, especially young bulls. If a bull gets extremely thin during the breeding season, remove them from the pasture for a brief nutritional flushing period.

LENGTH OF BREEDING SEASON Length of breeding season and the number of calves born during each 21-day period of the calving season has influence on the number of cows that can be bred to one bull.

Research indicates that mature bulls can breed 40-50 cows during a 6090 day breeding period and sire a high percentage of calves during the first 40 days of the calving season.

However, if the cow numbers are increased and/or the bull’s age is decreased, the number of calves born the first half of the calving season is going to decrease and thus lengthen the calving season. It is important to ensure the right bull to cow ratio for the proper length of the breeding season.

OTHER FACTORS Another factor is your breeding system. Are you incorporating a short AI period? If so, your need of bull power may be less. If you retain replacement heifers, you may need a calving-ease sire or if you have a

30 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

MANAGEMENT crossbreeding program, you will need one bull for each respective breed.

The size of the breeding pasture has an effect on bull power. In large pastures, cows may run in two groups and having one bull could simply miss cows in estrus in one of the groups. There are several factors to think about in determining the amount of bull power that each producer will need for their respective breeding season.

SUMMARY It is difficult for producers to know what the optimum cow: bull ratio should be. A Colorado study noticed that some bulls had a poor percentage pregnant even

when exposed to a small number of cows, whereas some bulls had a high percentage pregnant even though they were running with 3050 synchronized females. A time honored rule-of-thumb is to place about the same number of cows or heifers with a young bull as his age is in month. For example a bull that is 14 months old going into his first breeding season should be expected to breed 14-15 cows; whereas, a twoyear old bull may be placed with 2025 cows. Mature bulls that have been examined by a veterinarian and have passed a breeding soundness exam can be placed with 30-40 cows and normally give good results.

The general goals of a cow/calf producer with a bull is to have

a bull that is capable to produce quality semen, is physically able to seek out cows and heifers in heat, and is physically able to breed those females. A proper evaluation, including semen quality and physical soundness prior to the breeding season, should be a routine practice on all bulls. As the breeding season gets underway, check your bulls regularly to ensure that he is breeding the cows and that they are becoming bred. For more information, contact your Livestock Specialist or myself, David Hoffman, at 816-380-8460 or hoffmand@missouri.edu. May all you cows calve.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 31

MANAGEMENT

by James B. NEEL, PROFESSOR and Neal SCHRICK, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Yearling Bull Management

T

he management of yearling bulls has a large impact on both production and profitability of commercial cow-calf operations. Bulls have two important functions in purebred and commercial beef operations: (1) contribute to genetic improvement and (2) maintain high reproductive success. In most cow-calf operations, bringing a new bull into the herd is the primary way of making genetic improvement.

Yearling bulls must be properly managed so genetic potential and reproductive performance will be maximized simultaneously.

An increased number of commercial producers are purchasing performance tested yearling bulls such as those from University Bull Test Stations. Purchasing 2-year old bulls was the common practice 10 to 15 years ago. However, due to cost

of raising and maintaining bulls, opportunity for profit is reduced for purebred breeders when bulls are grown to 2 years of age. It costs a purebred breeder approximately $750 to $1000 to raise a yearling bull. To carry a bull until it is 2 years of age drives the cost up to between $1135 and $1400; thus, leaving little or no profit. Because of this, yearling bulls will become more available than older bulls in the future.

In addition, yearling bulls should offer the opportunity for greater genetic potential than older bulls in that producers have a greater number from which to make the selection. Use of yearling bulls also decreases generation internal which will speed genetic progress in economically important traits. This will make yearling bulls more attractive to commercial beef producers from a genetic improvement standpoint compared to older bulls.

The yearling bull represents a sizable investment to the commercial producer. Not Bulls are a big investment for most operations. Taking care of your investment is critical to it paying off in the long-run. only a financial investment,

32 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

but an investment in both reproductive and genetic performance. However, with a great number of producers, the investment ends with the purchase. In reality, the investment should be just beginning. Additional investments in management, feed and care must be made if the bull’s full genetic and reproductive potential is to be realized.

Management of yearling bulls can be divided into 3 basic periods. These are: 1. Pre-breeding or conditioning (2 months) 2. Breeding season (2-3 months) 3. Post-breeding season (7-8 months) These periods can vary in length, but the basic management demands will be the same. Following is a discussion of each period.

Pre-Breeding or Conditioning Management Yearling bulls should be purchased well in advance of the breeding season.

Get the yearling bull on the farm at least 60 days prior to the start of the breeding season. This will provide time for bulls to adjust to their new environment, overcome the stresses of the sale and being moved to a new location. During this time, yearling bulls should receive a complete health program as well as a breeding soundness examination. Check with

MANAGEMENT your local veterinarian in regard to developing a health program to ensure a profitable level of performance.

How bulls were handled up to the time purchased is an important item to consider in the feeding and management program. To do a good job of breeding, most yearling bulls should weigh no less than 1100 lb. at 13 to 16 months of age. If bulls were on a gain test and gained more than 3.50 lb. per day, they may be carrying excess body condition. This is not bad as the objective of the testing program was to evaluate the bull’s gain. They do need to “hardened up” during the 30 to 60 days before the start of the breeding season.

Yearling bulls should continue to gain about 2.0 lb. per day during this period. This can be done by providing a ration with approximately 11 to 12 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis. The energy needs can be met with a 70 percent TDN ration-or the equivalent of 6 to 10 lb. of grain and all the medium quality hay or excellent pasture bulls can consume.

See examples of rations in Table 1.

Exercise is a critical factor during this period. Bulls need to have lots of stamina, be very athletic and be able to travel many miles each day during the breeding season. As with any athlete, physical fitness does not occur overnight. It is up to the manager to help prepare and condition bulls by providing a good exercise lot of approximately one acre in size. If bulls have the opportunity, they will exercise themselves. Mother Nature has provided them with that instinct.

Bulls that are physically fit will have a higher degree of sexual drive and will remain sound. A companion animal, such as a steer, would aid in exercise.

Breeding Season Management Beef cattle producers have three goals in bull management to achieve during the breeding season: (1) get the cows pregnant as early as possible in the breeding season, (2) get the cows bred to bulls having superior genetic potential and (3) reach both of the above with the least costs.

The bull to female ratio is important in attaining these goals. However, this is difficult to accurately define because it is affected by so many other items such as distribution of females in the pasture, individual bull characteristics and management decisions made by the producer. Female distribution over a pasture will depend on the terrain, pasture carrying capacity, pasture size and water availability. Variation in the bull: female ratio would be influenced by age, condition, libido (sex drive), fertility, sperm reserve, social behavior and physical condition of the bull.

Management also has a big impact on the bull to female ratio.

Management sets the length of the breeding season and influences health of the bull, both reproductive and structural soundness and care during the breeding season. However, the “rule-of-thumb” for the proper bull to female ratio is one cow per month of age of the bull up to 3 years of age. For example, a 15-month old bull could be run with 15 females and 36 cows could be exposed to a 3-year old bull (36 months of age), thirty six cows is the maximum number that should be allotted to a mature bull.

Because young bulls are still growing, they will need to be provided some extra feed during the breeding season. Continue to feed the 6 to 8 lb. of the ration fed during the prebreeding period. The amount of feed fed during the breeding season can be increased as needed to maintain the bull’s condition. Continue to monitor the bull’s condition. Keep bulls in good condition, but do not allow them to become fat more than likely, becoming fat will not (continued on page 34)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 33

MANAGEMENT (continued from page 33) be a problem during the breeding season. A feeding stall would be of value to insure bulls would get their ration during the breeding season.

Keep a watchful eye on both bulls and females during the breeding season. Check the herd for “heat periods” or signs of estrus early in the breeding season. Estrus is the period when cows became reactive to mounting activity by bulls and other females. See if any females are returning to heat. Early detection of an injury or other problems and taking corrective actions are critical to getting cows bred early. Check on the herd at least once each day. It would be best to observe the cows twice daily for signs of estrus and also catch any problem that may have occurred since the last time the herd was checked.

Post-Breeding Management The care provided yearling bulls after the breeding season is critical if they are going to continue to have a long and productive breeding life.

However, the sad commentary is that bulls do not receive the proper care on most commercial beef operations.

The manager should be concerned with the following items during the

“off breeding season”.

1. Evaluate the bulls’ condition and, if needed, feed and manage them in such a way that they will be in moderate condition, a body condition score (BCS) of 6 at the beginning of the next breeding season.

2. Feed and manage yearling bulls so they achieve 65 to 75 percent of their mature size by the beginning of the next breeding season.

3. Prevent injury. Do not place young bulls in the same pens with older bulls that will physically dominate them. Additionally, keep the lot free of materials that could possibly cause injury such as wire, farm equipment and boards with nails.

Again, you might want to consider a companion during this period.

After yearling bulls are removed from the cow herd, check their overall general condition. During the breeding season, yearling bulls can lose a lot of weight and condition.

In severe situations, bulls not only lose condition but lose muscle mass as well. Weight gain during the offbreeding season will vary and will depend on condition and length of

TABLE 1.

Post-Breeding Season Rations for Yearling Bulls

1

Bulls should also have free choice mineral mix. 2 Excellent quality pasture can substitute for sileage and hay.

34 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

time to achieve the weight gain. See Table 1 for suggested rations.

Yearling bulls should be managed so they will be in a body condition score of 6 when turned out at the start of the next breeding season as a 2-year old. This will help to insure that bulls will be strong, aggressive and active.

Bulls should have enough extra condition to be able to call on their tissue reserves to maintain a high rate of activity and quality semen during the breeding season.

Rations for an 1100 lb. yearling bull to gain at various rates are outlined in Table 1. Excellent quality pasture can substitute for silage and hay.

Furthermore all bulls, especially yearlings, should have free access to a high quality mineral mix that is readily available at most commercial feed outlets. Provide a health and parasite control program as outlined by a local veterinarian. Internal and external parasites should be controlled to provide yearling bulls every opportunity to recover from the rigors of the breeding season.

Summary Purchasing and utilizing yearling bulls will become an even more common practice by cow-calf producers. This will be brought about by the reduced number of 2-year old bulls offered for sale due to the high cost of growing and developing, and the faster genetic progress that can be made through the use of yearling bulls. Proper care and management must be provided to these young bulls if both genetic improvement and reproductive performance are to be maximized.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 35

MANAGEMENT

by Clell V. BAGLEY, DVM and W. Craig BURRELL, PhD EXTENSION VETERINARIAN & LIVESTOCK SPECIALIST UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Understanding Bull Breeding Soundness Exams

C

ontroversy still exists about Breeding Soundness Examinations (BSE) and what they can and cannot do. At times they are not used because of a lack of understanding of their value while at other times they are used with unrealistic expectations. First, BSE is performed to identify bulls with reduced fertility not just to find those which are sterile. Very few bulls are sterile but a significant percent have reduced fertility.

A second important point is that a BSE is like a “snapshot” in time of the reproductive status of the bull.

Even a bull classed as “Satisfactory” does NOT mean he will always be an acceptable breeder. The reverse could also be true for some conditions.

Semen production takes about two months, so the semen used on the first day of the breeding season was started into production about 60 days prior. Even heavy breeding use does not speed up the process of sperm production.

A BSE starts with a physical examination of the bull. This includes the detection of unsoundness in

36 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

feet, legs and eyes, etc., that would decrease the ability of a bull to travel and breed cows. It also includes examining the penis and testicles, measuring the scrotal circumference and examining the accessory sex organs by rectal palpation. Next a sample of semen is collected, usually by electro ejaculation. A sub-sample is evaluated on a warm microscope slide for motility. Another subsample is placed on a slide and stained to determine the percentage of sperm having normal and abnormal morphology.

This procedure does not evaluate a bull’s ability to breed nor his breeding

behavior (such as libido). Some bulls that receive a “Satisfactory” BSE classification are ineffective as breeders because they are incapable of mounting and breeding a cow or because they have low sex drive.

Bulls should be observed in the act of breeding to evaluate these behaviors.

In recent years we have moved more and more toward the use of yearling bulls. There are both economic and herd health reasons for using them.

Nevertheless, producers must expect a lower percentage of yearling bulls to be satisfactory breeders. Testing bulls that are only 11–13 months of age does identify bulls that reach puberty early. But some bulls do not reach puberty until they are 15 or 16 months of age or older. It is not correct to base the potential fertility of late maturing bulls on an early semen test. It is acceptable to test bulls at 11–13 months of age and identify those that are satisfactory breeders at that age. Bulls which do not pass the early test should not be culled but should be rechecked every 3–4 weeks for a few months.

With additional time, many of these bulls will become “Satisfactory Breeders” on a later examination.

Sexual maturity cannot be predicted entirely from body weight nor from scrotal circumference. Both of these are good indicators, but some bulls

MANAGEMENT of high weight and with a large scrotal circumference will still have poor quality semen. Other bulls may produce semen that is of poor quality even after they reach maturity.

A 1992 change in the scoring system used for breeding soundness examinations has decreased the percentage of bulls classed as “Satisfactory.” In the updated scoring system, a bull must meet minimum criteria for scrotal circumference, sperm motility and sperm morphology (shape) to be classed as satisfactory. In the past the total BSE score was the summation of the points earned for motility, morphology and scrotal circumference. A bull with an especially large scrotal circumference, for his age, could pass the exam even though the motility or morphology was poor. The new classification system is an improvement but it also means that about 7% more bulls are classed lower than “Satisfactory.”

With this new system it appears that producers must expect about 20% of yearling bulls to fail the BSE. However, as stated previously, if these bulls are rechecked at an older age, many of them will be satisfactory.

Only in exceptional cases should a bull be classed as an “Unsatisfactory Potential Breeder” on the basis of one BSE. He should usually be classed as “Classification Deferred” and then be re-examined 3-4 weeks later. The exception to this rule would be for problems such as only one testicle present, etc.; things which will not change with time.

Individual veterinarians may be using different systems to classify breeding soundness evaluations.

This may cause some confusion, especially when a bull is tested by

one veterinarian and retested by another. All veterinarians should have changed to the new “minimum threshold” system by now, but a few have not. A few evaluators use only the sperm motility to evaluate the semen rather than to also examine sperm morphology. Again, the system using only the motility measure will be less strict and the test results may appear to contradict the classification done by a previously examining veterinarian.

Other points for producers planning to have BSE’s done on their bulls include: • Schedule the exam for near the beginning of the breeding season, but still leave sufficient time for a re-exam of some bulls, if needed.

• A l l o c a t e sufficient time on the day(s) of testing.

It is a time consuming procedure and rushing too fast will frustrate both the producer and veterinarian, not to mention the bulls.

• A building must be provided to allow examination of the semen in an area protected from the weather and

cold.

• The facilities should be designed and in adequate repair to allow easy handling of the bulls and to prevent injuries to the bulls and handlers. Bulls are extremely rough on fences and chutes.

If they are allowed to escape, they may become completely unmanageable.

If an owner is having bulls classed

by BSE for his own use, he may be able to use some bulls which would not be acceptable if they were to be presented for sale. In the sale situation, the veterinarian has an obligation to be sure they meet at least the minimum accepted requirements, as they are presented to potential buyers.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 37

MANAGEMENT

by Del WILLIAMS

Choosing the Right Hay Trailer for You

W

The right hay trailer should fit your equipment, your use and your budget.

hen a farmer or rancher has to clear fields of round hay bales, there’s nothing that does the job like a hay trailer. But what kind is best for you? That depends on your equipment (tractor or pick up), your use (bale size, quantity, and labor), and your budget.

If you’ve got enough tractors and labor, and would like to minimize the up front cost of a trailer, then traditional inline, self-unloading hay trailers are a good choice. These trailers typically load bales with a tractor’s hayforks from the rear, until the trailer’s cradle is full. When the trailer reaches its destination, a lever is pulled and the hay bales are rocked then rolled off the cradle by gravity.

If a farmer or rancher is choosing a traditional inline, self-unloading hay trailer, there are two questions they need to ask: 1) How reliable do I want the trailer to be, and 2) How long do I want it to last?

For those hauling less hay, for less

38 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

time, and lighter bales, a typical makes a load more top heavy and trailer will do. Still if you don’t want less stable. This becomes a problem your hay trailer in the repair shop on fields filled with berms, terraces, when it’s time to bring in the bales, gopher holes, and ditches. Too often, it’s important to look for at least a few when narrow trailers hit a ditch, the quality features. whole load is dumped.

For instance, to avoid dropping With many trailers, hauling 6,000a load before you’re ready, choose 12,000 lbs. of bales per load, another a trailer with a frame at least 5’ caution is to choose a trailer with a wide, such as the Red Rhino or the double latch system, since latches Competitor Bale Handler To avoid dropping the entire load when the trailer hits

by GoBob Pipe and Steel. a ditch, select a trailer with at least a 5’ wide frame.

The problem is that many inline hay trailers only use a 4’ wide frame to save on freight shipping cost. But sitting a 6’ wide bale on top of a 4’ wide trailer frame

MANAGEMENT hold the load in place until it’s ready to dump. Single latch trailers are prone to tearing the sidewall off the main tube over time, which can require cutting off the latch, regrinding, and rewelding. A double latch system available on a Red Rhino or Competitor Bale Handler cuts the latches’ metal fatigue in half as bale weight is dispersed, improving safety and reliability. A linkage between the latches also allows them to operate with only one lever.

For heavy bale loads, more loads, long use, and those who don’t want to worry about anyone tearing up their equipment, it’s best to consider a hay trailer that’s built to last like the Red Rhino by GoBob. Besides an extra wide 5’ frame and double latches, for extra strength, this trailer uses more steel in the cradle, neck, axles, main

tube, and rail supports.

Since the main tube is the backbone of the hay trailer, Red Rhino trailers are built 33% heavier than other manufacturers. They’re built with an 8 5/8” OD .352 wall thick main tube that weighs 31.10 lbs. per foot.

Typical hay trailers use 8” square .188 wall tubing that weighs only 19.63 lbs. per foot, or 8 5/8” OD .250 wall that weighs only 22.36 lbs. per foot.

Rail supports are also critical because they carry most of the bale weight. Red Rhinos are constructed of 2” x 3” x 3/16” rectangular tubing.

They contain 60% more steel than the pipe rail supports used by other manufacturers.

Since bale capacity can determine how many trips you have to make to clear the field, it’s important to consider this as well. Hay trailers typically range from Self-loading/unloading hay trailers are ideal for those that 21’-40’ long, with a 32’ want the speed and convenience of staying in their tractor or pick-up while loading or unloading bales. trailer carrying about 6-8 bales. When capacity is a concern, it might make sense to consider GoBob’s Red Ox, the largest inline hay trailer in the world,

which can haul 9-11 bales at once.

Farmers or ranchers wanting the speed and convenience of staying in their tractor or pick up while loading or unloading bales should consider self-loading/unloading hay trailers like the Koyker Round Bale Transport 7000 or GoBob’s 2EZ Bale Mover.

With these hydraulically operated trailers, it’s a one-person operation that doesn’t take physical strength. If they choose a pick up-capable version, it doesn’t even require a tractor.

In fact, some farmers and ranchers find they can dramatically improve productivity with their existing equipment if their wife hauls baled hay in a pick up-pulled trailer while they bale hay with the tractor. This can remove the bottleneck of waiting for one person to do all the work with a single tractor.

While self-loading/unloading trailers initially cost more than inlines yet save much labor, it may make sense to consider a simpler machine with few moving parts like the 2EZ Bale Mover. It’s designed to gently but hydraulically pick bales straight up and set them straight (continued on page 40)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 39

MANAGEMENT (continued from page 39) down when its rails slide under or away from the bales. Because it has few moving parts, this can mean less cost, maintenance, and downtime.

Its design allows even old and misshaped bales to be transported with no further damage. Since its design keeps a single side of the bale in contact with the ground, it also saves hay by minimizing the number of bad hay spots caused by ground-absorbed moisture.

With the 2EZ Bale Mover, operation is simple: it’s back up and load, raise up and go. Since it loads bales individually or up to six at a time, using your tractor or truck, it can unload the whole load at once or one at a time. Come winter, when

it’s time to feed the cattle in pasture, this ability can turn three typical trips with a tractor and hayforks into one with a pick up and hay trailer.

While the original bumper pull 2EZ works Unloading bales individually is especially important for those producers who have a lot of pastures that are spread out. best with tractors, and the gooseneck model works best with pick ups, the new hydraulic feeders, fencing, pipe and guards, bumper pull model works best for all designed to provide farmers with those using both a tractor and a pick top quality product that saves them up to haul bales. The new hydraulic money by helping them work better bumper pull model, in fact, combines and more efficiently. the speed of the original bumper pull model with the ground clearance of ABOUT THE AUTHOR Del Williams is a technical writer based the gooseneck model. in Torrance, California.

GoBob Pipe and Steel offers a For more info, call 1-866-532-9123 or complete selection of hay trailers, visit www.gobobpipe.com.

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CALENDAROFEVENTS March - 2013 (continued)

February - 2013 6-9

NCBA Convention

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Forida State Fair Junior and Open Brangus Shows

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San Antonio Open Regional Brangus Show

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Dixie National Regional Brangus Show

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Romans Brangus and Angus Bull Sale

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Spitzer Ranch Professional Cattlemen’s Bull and Customer’s Brangus Gold Commercial Female Sale

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IBBA Global Round-Up

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TBBA Annual Convention

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Genetic Edge XVI Sale

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Indian Nations Spring Sale

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SETICA & TBBA Commercial Bull and Heifer Sale

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Quail Creek Brangus “Cut Above” Sale

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Houston Junior Brangus Show

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The Stockman’s Kind 2013 Edition at Mound Creek Ranch

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West Texas Brangus Breeders Association Springtime Sale

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Miller Brangus Sale

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22nd Anniversary Roswell Brangus Sale Roswell, NM

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July - 2013 14-19 National Junior Brangus Show

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IJBBA “Source of Champions” Sale

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CX Advantage Sale

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Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Annual Production Sale

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Town Creek Farm Bull and Commercial West Point, MS Female Sale

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Oak Creek Farms Forage Tested Bull Sale

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GeneTrust at Chimney Rock Cattle Company Sale

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The Cattleman’s Kind Bull Sale at Blackwater Cattle Company

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GeneTrust at Cavender’s Neches River Jacksonville, TX Ranch Bull and Commercial Female Sale

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Oak Creek Farms Forage Tested Bull Sale

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Selling 125 Forage Tested OCF Bulls

Brangus  Red Brangus  Angus  Red Angus Source Verified Commercial Heifer Sale to follow Bull Sale Friday, October 25, 2013, 6:00 p.m. - Seminar - DNA Technology Update, Kevin Milliner RIBEYE STEAK DINNER to follow - sponsored by Pfizer

How will you be able to continue feeding corn if it’s $15 a bushel? Without a doubt input costs are increasing more rapidly than prices for cattle. Oak Creek cattle have proven to perform on grass year after year without any additional inputs. They have proven to have the genetics necessary to thrive on grass, turn on performance when in the feedyard and grade well above industy average. At $15 corn, the question becomes where can I get forage adaptabed genetics?

Over Thirty Years Experience Breeding Low Input, Highly Efficient, Easy Fleshing Cattle That Thrive in The Pasture OCF Bulls gathered for Forage Test Weigh Out in Brazos River Bottom

On October 26, Our Top 125 Coming Two Year Old Forage Tested OCF Bulls Will Sell!

Bulls Forage Tested at OCF beginning on March 1st and ending September 1st under guidelines of Texas Forage & Grassland Council. Weights and Measures recorded by Texas A&M Extension Service.

oakcreekfarms.com- customer’s OCF sired calves achieve 80-90% choice & prime!

www.oakcreekfarms.com

Oak Creek Farms  info@oakcreekfarms.com

Going on ten years using DNA to identify desirable heritable traits.

46 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

John & Carolyn Kopycinski  Chappell Hill, Texas 979/836-6832

Directions from Houston: Hwy 290 (60 mi west) then 4 mi south on FM 1371

Oak Creek Farms - Celebrating our 46th Anniversary - Breeding Brangus Since 1967